Pride, tradition celebrated in Castalia

CASTALIA — The annual Fourth of July parade that draws thousands to the northwestern Nash County town got under way Thursday afternoon under a brilliantly sunny sky and temperatures in the low 90s. Despite the heat, spirits were high in the parade’s staging area.

For the parade’s participants, the tradition of lining up, waving from floats and tossing out candy for kids is about showing their pride — pride in the organizations they represent, the dance teams they perform in and the shiny vehicles they own and meticulously maintain.

One such vehicle owner, Robert Harrison of Castalia, who was there with his family to show off his pristinely restored 1972 Pontiac GTO Judge, was trying something new on his Fourth of July holiday.

“This is my first parade. I’m looking forward to it,” Harrison said.

Harrison has owned the vehicle since 1985 but recently had it restored by DonaldHilbroun of Tarboro.

Parade watchers said Thursday that they bring their children and grandchildren to the event each year because they enjoy it so much.

For Carrie Bass of Castalia, who was attending the event with friends and family including her two young sons, the parade had something for everyone.

“The boys wanted to see tractors, the four wheelers and the trucks,” Bass said.

Lisa Taylor of Castalia, a veteran of about 30 Castalia Fourth of July parades, said she started out bringing her son to the event and is now bringing his children out to see the parade. She said Thursday’s parade had more participation than last year’s.

“It’s like a tradition,” Taylor said.

James Alston, mayor of Castalia, concurred that the event has grown over the years.

“Participation is up. The energy is up. Everything is up,” Alston proclaimed with enthusiasm.

In addition to the parade and car show, the town also held a festival with live music, food trucks and craft vendors, concluding the day with fireworks.